I truly enjoyed this glimpse of such an important point in the History of Middle-earth. These moments have been written so many times in so many ways, it's hard to find a fresh retelling, but Alassante has done that. I can tell how much thought went into this work, the nuances of personality and relationship, both personal and political. both on the micro and the macro scale - all beautifully interwoven.
It's hard to imagine Maedhros down and out, but certainly with all he went through, I think this is an excellent portrayal of him as it wasn't just physical torment that he endured, but the very presence of Morgoth himself.
I especially love your Celebrimbor, he's frightfully neglected in this fandom and I like you portrayal of him as the balancing act between the brothers. I can easily imagine, growing up amid that bunch that he learned how to balance of tact and strength early in his life.
Thank you for sharing this. I truly enjoyed it.

Reviewed by: Nancy Brooke -- Score: 4

This is such a wonderfully layered piece. On top, we have the comparatively simple tale of nephew goading and coaxing uncle into reviving from self-pity and despair. Their exchanges are almost child-like, teasing, full of reverse-psychology and engaging. But more intriguing is the ironic undertext, that Meadhros's path to recover lies through violence - the sword - retribution and the destruction neither knows lies in their future.

Reviewed by: Imhiriel -- Score: 4

An evocative beginning that sets the scene very well, showing Maedhros inner condition that Celebrimbor has come to change. It's an unexpected, but believable twist to have Celebrimbor be the one to rouse Maedhros from his self-imposed exile, not his own brothers and/or Fingon. I can well believe that Maedhros would be too proud to let himself be seen by his brothers other than at his best, and Celebrimbor gives him the incentive he needed to actually want it again.

Reviewed by: Rhapsody -- Score: 4

Celebrimbor as a youthful and pleading elf who deep down fears to loose more than he already has. Fingon lingers somewhere on the background and steps up plate at the end(and you know me and you can smack me later), I miss those other six dearly here (although they’d probably would give poor Maedhros a headache as large as Anor). :) It is good to see that this young elf talks some sense in him and gives Maedhros that thread he just needed! Well done!

Reviewed by: Raksha the Demon -- Score: 3

There aren't enough fanfiction stories featuring the mysterious Celebrimbor. I enjoyed the confrontation between Celebrimbor and his damaged uncle; it's a rather novel treatment of Maedhros' recovery after Thangodorim.

Reviewed by: Larner -- Score: 1

Ah, the deathly pride of the sons of Feanor; at least Celebrimbor was able to breach it.